County analysis complete

COQUILLE -- The structure advisory committee -- a citizens group
created by the Coos County Board of Commissioners -- has completed
its report on Coos County governmental organization, offering its
analysis of four remaining departments.

The purpose of the committee is to first assess the county's
current organization, then determine if that structure is adequate.
In recent days, the committee has made a wide range of
recommendations, including the creation of a chief executive
position for the county.

County counsel

The county counsel serves 32 departments, providing legal
advice, reviewing contracts and agreements, and draft ordinances.
The department lacks a chief administrator, so the counsel herself
does most of the administrative work.

There is a central repository for contracts, but no way for the
counsel to know when the contracts come due. There is no time for
ordinance review, and no need, as ordinances are not enforced.

The department wants more legal help and a chief
administrator.

Community corrections

Department morale is strong, despite looming budget issues.
Committee members say it is unclear to what extent the department
is a part of the sheriff's office, although the two work well
together.

The department needs to keep duplicate records, and department
members are concerned they don't see the commissioners enough.

A treatment center is needed with the rise in heroin use.

Corrections also cannot take payment via credit card, which
limits the funds they receive.

Surveyor

The department's records database use an out-of-date software
program that most private surveyors and title companies will not be
able to access, which could add to county workload.

The county also needs a new GPS system to locate survey markers.
Supply cost controls have limited the crew's ability to
function.

The staff lamented poor computer systems, lack of contact with
commissioners and no awareness of what is going on in the rest of
the county.

The relationship with PBS Engineering is costly and time
consuming. Design changes require additional work.

Surveyors are paying for their own required continuing education
to maintain their surveyor licenses.

Juvenile

The local detention center has been closed due to budget cuts.
Juveniles that are incarcerated must go to Roseburg.

The department interfaces with Oregon Youth Authority and some
work may be duplicated.

The department would like to see better technology and improved
communications and collaborations between departments.